Hotels

(credit: The Beacon Hill Estate)Nestled in the coveted 'Narrows' of the Bahamas, The Beacon Hill Estate is a sumptuous two-and-a-half-acre waterfront haven graced by its own private beach. With a rich heritage dating back to the 1920’s and meticulously renovated over three years ending in late 2023, this property resides amidst lush tropical greenery mere moments away from the Pink Sands beach. Accessed via a scenic sandy lane, bordered by majestic coconut palms, this estate claims a premier location on Harbour Island, offering a sanctuary to relax and luxuriate. (credit: The Beacon Hill Estate)Far removed from the small but bustling…

Whitney SpielfogelNestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Hudson Valley, Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resort, stands out as a true gem, offering a serene and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, just in time for those New Year’s resolutions to take shape. Opened in late 2022, this farm-chic property is one of the best new hotels to debut in the Catskills, located an hour and a half outside of New York City. What sets Wildflower apart from other newcomers in the region is that it represents the first international luxury hotel operator to open a property in this…

Jan. 5th, 2024 It is one of Big Smoke’s most posh neighborhoods. There you’ll find some of London’s top galleries and museums, walking streets with all manner of restaurants and cafes, and, of course, shop after shop offering the utmost in glorious shopping. The locality exudes class but not in a gaudy or over-the-top kind of way. There is an aura of discrete opulence that is refined and cultured. This wonderful part of the world is Chelsea and an ideal way to begin to explore it, know it, and live its lifestyle is with a stay in the Sloane Place…

Courtesy of Topnotch ResortWith winter in New England officially upon us, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to warm up this season.  One of the best ways to do just that is with a visit to Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. If you haven’t been lately, you’re in for a treat. Located on 120 acres at the base of Mount Mansfield, the luxury property “blends the gracious charm of a ski lodge with the luxurious amenities of a world-class resort.” Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or just love the outdoors, this all-season property offers something for…

Collezione EMCollezione EM opened its latest hotel, Violino d'Oro, in Venice this November. The five-star boutique hotel pays homage to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Venice by showcasing the city's deep history. A true gem, Violino d'Oro is a charming hideaway nestled along the canals, two minutes from Piazza San Marco, where guests can indulge in exquisite art and experience the magnificence of an intimate, truly Italian palazzo. The hotel is the masterpiece of Sara and Elena Maestrelli, highlighting the hospitality business that has been actively curated for over three decades by the female lineage of the talented Italian Florentine…

Shaena EngleThe Fairmont Empress in Victoria Canada recently unveiled the renovation of its Fairmont Gold Experience, providing guests one of the most luxurious and spacious lounges in all the Fairmont resorts. The makeover includes the addition of 22 new Fairmont Gold guestrooms as well as the transformation of the Fairmont Gold lounge expanding the space to a huge 4,000 square feet. The design, by San Francisco’s HBA firm, houses elements dating back to the Fairmont’s original 1908 architecture including a fireplace, steel beams and exposed brick archways. In addition to the redesigned Lounge and Gold suites, there is also a…

Pendry Newport Beach. Photo Jill WeinleinBuilt in 1986 by The Irvine Company, the statuesque Orange County resort has had quite a past. The hotel was once a Four Seasons and later became the Fashion Island Hotel. Located in the city's most desirable area, it is directly across the street from luxury shopping and International culinary fare at Fashion Island, and a few blocks from Roger's Garden, Corona del Mar Beach, Lido Marina Village, and the Back Bay. Pendry Newport Beach and Cadillac. Photo Jill WeinleinIn the lobby of the Pendry Newport Beach is the Concierge team to assist guests with…

Photo courtesy of Amazing EvolutionNamed after an enterprising ornithologist, 1905 Zino’s Palace stands like a pink frosted cream cake on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the southern coast of Madeira.  Surrounded by banana plantations and verdant mountains that rise up steeply, it is an idyllic retreat to while away a few relaxing days. Columbia HillenNow state-owned and managed by Amazing Evolution, a Portuguese hotel management company, it stands close to Ponta do Sol (Sunny Point) and boasts an open-air swimming pool on a large terrace and friendly staff. Indeed, so cordial are staff members such as Gina and…

Photo by Thompson AustinAustin is not just the capital of Texas, it’s a  city where the spirit of live music mingles with the buzz of tech giants and the laid-back charm of Southern hospitality. In the heart of this cultural blend sits the Thompson Hotel, a haven where modern luxury seamlessly blends with Austin's unique character. Photo by Thompson AustinStepping into the Thompson is akin to entering a symphony of light and texture. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the soaring atrium in sun-kissed warmth, while a sculptural chandelier casts a whimsical glow. Mid-century modern furnishings waltz with contemporary art, creating a space…

(credit: AlUla)In our third installment of the most anticipated luxury property openings around the world, here is a curated list of new openings in Africa and the Middle East for 2024. Dar Tantora – Scheduled to open January 2024  In historic AlUla Old Town, Dar Tantora is named after AlUla’s famous sundial. Created from sensitively restored mudbrick buildings, this 30-room eco-lodge is designed to share traditional bedouin living experiences, with an upscale twist highlighted by its use of traditional décor, furniture and artistic treatments. Using modern engineering in tandem with traditional materials and techniques, guests will be enraptured by the…